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The klotho gene is predominantly expressed in the kidney and, to a lesser extent, in the brain and reproductive and endocrine organs, and it has been identified as a novel anti-aging factor (Kuro-o et al., 1997; Yang et al., 2010). We have, for the first time, reported memory impairment induced by klotho gene knockout in mice (Nagai et al., 2003). Surprisingly, Dubal et al. demonstrate here a very novel finding (using transgenic mice with systemic overexpression of klotho): that klotho enhances cognition even early in life. Similar to our recent report using klotho mutant mice (Park et al., 2013), they clearly suggest a causal role for NMDARs and their GluN2B subtype in klotho-mediated cognitive enhancement.

Even though the present article shows unexpected findings, we think that klotho mutant mice should still be considered a disease model for premature aging syndromes. The process of premature aging in this model, however, is clearly different from the natural aging process, which is influenced by many factors. Indeed, klotho mutant mice do not reveal some phenotypes usually seen in aged humans, such as brain atrophy with deposition of amyloid or senile plaques (Kuro-o et al., 1997; Anamizu et al., 2005; Nixon et al., 2005). Therefore, it might also be of great importance to better understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic actions of klotho for possible therapeutics against premature aging- and natural aging-associated complications.

Nonetheless, we think that multifactorial approaches the authors used to analyze the cognitive function of the klotho gene help us understand the role of this gene in the aging-dependent and aging-independent complications.